New e-learning centre empowers Krugersdorp’s vulnerable
The Toolbox Hub opened a digital training hub with donated laptops, teaching key skills like CV writing and finance to help break the poverty cycle.
Breaking the poverty cycle and making a living for yourself is a difficult thing to do, and the Toolbox Community Empowerment Hub is helping the vulnerable to break those chains.
CEO of The Bethany House Trust, Gert Jonker, said the hub is one of their organisations, which focuses on job creation and skills development programmes for homeless and destitute men.
“We focus on engaging men in active work to earn an income and get out of poverty to become self-sustainable to look after their families,” he explained.
Recently, the hub opened the doors to their new e-learning centre where people can develop their skills through self-help programmes.
“The laptops are pre-loaded. People can then choose courses ranging from finance management to how to compose a CV,” he added.
Nine laptops were donated by Together We Bloom, and their director, Yolanda van der Merwe, said they aim to uplift the Krugersdorp and surrounding areas.
“We are dedicated to making a lasting impact in Krugersdorp and surrounding areas by focusing on nutrition, healthcare, and education, with the hope that the donated laptops will contribute to educating and empowering the beneficiaries of the Toolbox project and assist them to gain meaningful employment in our community. Our mission is to uplift and empower our local community through meaningful partnerships and sustainable programmes.”
They collaborate with existing community-based initiatives (such as Toolbox) and other NPOs to maximise their reach and effectiveness.
“By strengthening these partnerships, we ensure that essential resources and support reach those who need them most. From providing nutritious meals to improving access to healthcare and educational opportunities, our goal is to create real, lasting change, one step at a time. Together, we are building a healthier, stronger, and more resilient community,” she said.
Gert concluded that with the country’s unemployment rate at 45%, these sustainable programmes help create jobs and break the poverty cycle.
